All Hail the British High Street: London’s Independent Shops We Love

The Upgrade by SUITCASE Magazine

This is our love letter to London.

In our debut season finale we’re shining a light on the London independents that we love. From Hackney’s hippest lifestyle collective to a sourdough hero who is shaping his neighbourhood one loaf at a time, these are the London shop owners that help their communities thrive.

We catch up with Paul Firmin, one half of the duo behind trendy Earl of East. The seriously cool brand started on a Hackey market stall and has grown into two stores – one in Hackney and one in Coal Drops Yard – that regularly grace the pages of design-driven mags. It’s also our go-to for succulents and scents.

We’ll also be joined by Max Tobias, founder of Dusty Knuckle bakery. What started in a shipping container in Dalston, is now a socially conscious bakery that supplies restaurants including Ottolenghi and the Chiltern Firehouse. This summer, they launched a “breadmobile” service which delivered loaves to locked down Londoners.Alongside baking banging bread, they provide employment opportunities to disadvantaged youths.

The two pioneering London independents share with us their favourite neighbourhood haunts, the antiques market we must visit and how shopping local is changing the face of the British High Street.

We’d love to know where you’re going next and how you think the travel landscape might change as lockdown restrictions ease. Send your voice notes to [e-mail] or drop us a DM on Instagram @indiadowley and @fleur_rm. For a daily dose of travel inspiration, check in with us at suitcasemag.com or buy a copy of SUITCASE magazine.

We’ll be back with Season 2 soon.

Links and notes from the episode

Earl of East’s Netil Market picks:

Lucy Chip

Bao (of course)

Brother

And their favourite neighbourhood haunts:

Perky Blenders

Vinnie’s

Gnarly Vines

Other london based brands they love:

London Borough of Jam – we love Lily too.

Triangle

Goodhood

A New Tribe (for ceramics)

Everything But The Dog

DIY-ers will want to check out these homeware stores:

Labour and Weight

Caravane in Coal Drops Yard

Alfie’s Antique Market for vintage finds

Sunbury’s antiques market is a must and worth the early start

Arch 389

Head to Birch for workshops and creative retreats.

Shop scents, bath salts and a curated collection of succulents at Earl of East here and here.

Max Tobias from Dusty Knuckle Bakery local go-to’s:

Gozleme House (465 Green Lanes) for lunch

Visit Bora at Newington Green Fruit and Veg for your fresh produce

Max’s favourite italian is this one, Pizzeria Papagone

& Brouhaha for wine, beers and a cool crowd

Order potato sourdough and the feta and honey pastry from the breadmobile (yes, we’re sure the name is sticking) here.